ANNUAL REPORT

2021
Message from Director Folie
I am pleased to present the Dakota Communications Center 2021 It is expected that a revised joint powers agreement will be sent
Annual Report. Looking back to early 2021, we were filled with to the membership for their governing body approval in 2022.
hope as vaccinations were getting approved for fighting the In April, Sarah W, was selected as the dispatcher of the year.
pandemic and a hope to return to normalcy. By the middle of The selection is made by non-management staff and she is well
2021, it had appeared that we had turned the corner. That hope deserving of the honor. Unfortunately, due to the pandemic the
proved to be short lived and the last two months of the year celebration was muted. Multiple Stork Awards were given
were particularly impactful for the 911 center. Many staff throughout the year to dispatchers who had help deliver babies
members became infected and others needed to be quarantined when expectant mothers and fathers were surprised by an
for exposure while others needed to care for infected loved unexpectedly quick delivery.
ones. All in all, it made for another difficult year but we made The staff continues to do outstanding work despite the
progress on several items. challenges of the last two years. Our call answer times remained
In early March, the data wall on the south end of the dispatch good despite all of the staffing issues. The dispatchers and
floor went live. This allows everyone on the dispatch floor to see supervisors have worked an inordinate amount of overtime to
real time information from the 911 system, traffic cameras and make sure that emergency services were available to the public.
weather. The age of real time data in the dispatch center is just Many times the overtime has been on short notice requiring
beginning. The challenge for the future is taking in all the data staff to come in on their days off to cover vacancies.
and relaying what is valuable to the responders. As always, thanks to the Board of Directors and Executive
The DCC has been working on moving all employees to all sit to Committee for their support of the 911 center. We are blessed
stand desks. Early in the year, the administrative offices were to have governance committees that have the public’s best
completed which took advantage of staff working remotely. The interests at heart.
IT area was finished in the final week of the year giving all
employees the option of sit-stand.
A new website was put into place in December replacing an
outdated site that had potential security issues. The new site is
much easier to navigate and works well on mobile devices where
the old site did not. The new site is located at
www.dakota911mn.gov and hints at a name change that will
likely become official in 2022.
Large strides were made in planning for a change to DCC funding.
A group of Board and Executive Committee members met and
came to a consensus on allocating some costs of the center
across the entire tax base of the county rather than to each
member based on use of the system.
Vision and Mission Statement

The mission of the Dakota Communications Center is to serve and protect public safety by
providing a vital communications link between the community and their public safety responders.
We recognize both as our customers.

In furtherance of our mission, we are committed to:

• The highest standards of integrity and customer service.
• Efficient and effective acquisition and dissemination of information
• Accountability for performance and conduct
• Continuous improvement through professional development
DCC Governance

The Board of Directors consists of an elected official from each Member organization. Member appointments alternate yearly and
all appointees are designated to serve 2-year terms. Chaired by Rosemount Councilmember, Jeff Weisensel, the Board of Directors
met quarterly in 2021. Of topics presented, DCC restructuring and future governance considerations continued to generate the
most discussion.
2021 BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Apple Valley Councilmember John Bergman Inver Grove Heights Councilmember Rosemary Piekarski-Krech
Burnsville Councilmember Vince Workman Lakeville Councilmember Michelle Volk
Dakota County Commissioner Mike Slavik Mendota Heights Councilmember Ultan Duggan
Eagan Councilmember Mike Supina Rosemount Councilmember Jeff Weisensel
Farmington Councilmember Katie Porter South St. Paul Councilmember Lori Hansen
Hastings Councilmember Jen Fox West St. Paul Councilmember Dick Vitelli

The Executive Committee consists of the chief administrators of each Member organization. Chaired by Rosemount City
Administrator Logan Martin, the Executive Committee met quarterly in 2021.

2021 EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE

Apple Valley Administrator Tom Lawell Inver Grove Heights Administrator Kris Wilson
Burnsville Manager Melanie Mesko-Lee Lakeville Administrator Justin Miller
Dakota County Administrator Matt Smith Mendota Heights Administrator Cheryl Jacobson
Eagan Administrator Dave Osberg Rosemount Administrator Logan Martin
Farmington Administrator David McKnight South St. Paul Administrator Joel Hansen
Hastings Administrator Dan Wietecha West St. Paul Manager Nate Burkett
DCC Governance

The Joint Operations Committee is made up of the Chief/Sheriff (or their designee) of the fire/EMS and law enforcement disciplines
for each member agency. In 2021, Farmington Fire Chief Justin Elvestad and Hastings Police Chief Bryan Schafer co-chaired this
committee. Of topics presented, Fire Dispatch Protocols and Crisis Response generated the most discussion.

2021 FIRE/EMS CHIEFS

Apple Valley Chief Chuck Russell Inver Grove Heights Chief Judy Thill
Burnsville Chief BJ Jungmann Lakeville Chief Mike Meyer
Dakota County Public Health Preparedness Coord. Lia Roberts Mendota Heights Chief Dave Dreelan
Eagan Chief Hugo Searle Rosemount Chief Rick Schroeder
Farmington Chief Justin Elvestad South Metro Fire Chief Mark Juelfs
Hastings Chief John Townsend
ADHOC FIRE/EMS CHIEFS
Miesville Chief Tom Latuff Randolph-Hampton Chief Kevin Whitson

2021 POLICE CHIEFS

Apple Valley Chief Jon Rechtzigel Inver Grove Heights Chief Melissa Chiodo
Burnsville Chief Tanya Schwartz Lakeville Chief Jeff Long
Dakota County Sheriff Tim Leslie Mendota Heights Chief Kelly McCarthy
Eagan Chief Roger New Rosemount Chief Mikael Dahlstrom
Farmington Chief Gary Rutherford South St. Paul Chief Bill Messerich
Hastings Chief Bryan Schafer West St. Paul Chief Brian Sturgeon
DCC Organization
Dakota Communications Center
Administration, Technical Support and Dispatch Supervisory Staff

Executive Director
Tom Folie

HR Coordinator/Exec Assistant
Jen

Operations Director
Technical Support Specialists
Cheryl Pritzlaff John Jeff

Supervisor Supervisor Supervisor Supervisor Supervisor Supervisor Supervisor Supervisor

Troy Vicki Tara Brent Rachel Matt Andy Pascale
DCC Organization
Dakota Communications Center
Dispatch Staff by Years of Service to Dakota County Agencies
911 dispatchers process emergency and non-emergency calls for assistance. They provide dispatch and communication support for
police, fire, emergency and related services. DCC dispatchers are fully trained to process incoming calls and communicate with
responders allowing each dispatcher to satisfy any need at any time. Dispatch staff provides additional services including Automatic
Vehicle Location (AVL), pre-arrival instructions for medical and fire calls, warrant confirmations. Of the 51 dispatchers on staff as of
the close of 2021, 31% joined the DCC through consolidation and 41% had 10 or more years of experience.

Over 15 10 5 3 Under 3
Years of Service Years of Service Years of Service Years of Service Years of Service
Mindy Gino Mandy Delci Joe
Kellie Becky Justine Alex John
LynAnn Dan Melissa Annie Derrick
Tera Jim Mike Sarah Alyssa
Mary Amy Noah James Jason
Cindy Tori Max Taylor Riley
Mike W Lindsey Sarah Angela
Brian Kristina Katie Scott
Dave Kyle Alex
Gina Jessica Josh
Jenni Jenny
Jolene Becca
Tiffany
Anne
Stacie
2021 Business Highlights
Data/Video Wall
Centrally located on the south wall of the dispatch center
the long-anticipated data/video wall became operational
in March.
The 3,500 pound wall, suspended from the ceiling, holds
twelve 55” monitors that display a wide variety of real-
time data including call activity, MN DOT traffic cameras
and weather channels. At the flip of a switch dispatch
supervisors can control the layout of the data displayed.
Displaying real-time phone activity encourages
accountability and helps dispatch supervisors identify
immediate staffing adjustment needs. Using the
data/video wall display to monitor real-time activity is
one way the Dakota Communications Center is working to
improve experience reflected in monthly consortium
statistical reports.
Access to traffic cameras allows dispatch staff the ability
to see accidents and provide responders with visual
confirmation of exact location, activity, and potential
traffic control needs.
During inclement weather, supervisors may display the
weather service radar to prepare for approaching storms
and help determine siren activation needs.
With advancing software capabilities, and traffic camera
access authorization expands, the data/video wall will
continue to be a valuable tool used by Dakota
Communications Center staff as we provide support of
our area communities.
2021 Business Highlights
Quality Assurance and Quality Improvement
The Quality Assurance Quality Improvement supervisor
analyzes data from the various CAD, phone and radio
systems in an effort to identify operational trends and
opportunities for individual dispatchers.

Using software referred to as AQUA, the QA/QI

supervisor reviews medical and fire call recordings,
documenting adherence to Emergency Medical (EMD)
and Emergency Fire Direction (EFD) protocols. AQUA
assigns weighted values to each protocol component and
then generates a case evaluation report. The QA/QI
supervisor then reviews the report with the dispatcher
who used the protocols.

Review of law enforcement calls is more challenging as

there is no specific protocol used. For these calls the
QA/QI supervisor focuses on customer service, officer
and citizen safety, and if the information added into the
call by the call taker was accurate and easy to understand
by the dispatcher who relaying the information to
responders.

In 2021 there were approximately 1,500 calls reviewed.

While no organizational practice patterns were identified,
there were some patterns identified related to adherence
use of protocols. Supplemental compliance classes and
trainings were assigned as needed to help address the
identified issues.
2021 Business Highlights
Fire Auto-Dispatch
Fire auto-dispatch is a feature in the Computer-Aided
Dispatch (CAD) system that quickly and efficiently
commits responding resources automatically once a call
taker creates an event.

Prior to auto-dispatch, toning and committing fire

apparatus resources to a call required a dispatcher to
open the event created by the call taker, and identify the
appropriate agency, apparatus and response level before
sending tones to responders.

While the auto-dispatch feature was not new to the CAD

system in use at Dakota Communications Center in 2021,
it was not immediately activated due to concerns that it
was not functioning correctly. In July, after months of
monitoring neighboring PSAP experience, fire auto-
dispatch was activated.

The new fire auto-dispatch feature shaved approximately

10 – 12 seconds off Dakota Communications Center fire
dispatch processing times. Fire auto-dispatch, coupled
with the alerting program already in use by member fire
stations, eliminates the risk of human error.

Dispatcher Mary commented, ‘I no longer have to worry

about dispatch delays while I click to open, read, and
relay radio traffic.’
2021 Business Highlights
Mental Health Crisis Response
In June of 2021 Minnesota legislature passed a law to
help ensure citizens experiencing mental health crisis
receive the appropriate level of response. The law
requires telecommunicators to refer mental health crisis
calls to a Crisis Response Unit (CRU) when available. The
CRU works to stabilize the immediate crisis, ensure the
safety of the citizen, their family and the community, and
also assist with referrals to appropriate outside resources.

Requested by the law enforcement operations sub-

committee, a Mental Health Follow-up call type was
added to the CAD system. Using this call type would aid
member agency efforts to track and improve their
response to mental health calls in their communities.

On September 15th, in collaboration with member law

enforcement agencies and Dakota County Crisis, Dakota
Communications Center implemented a new process that
transferred callers in need of mental health support
directly to Dakota County CRU. Transferring these types of
calls to crisis support allows our law enforcement
partners to focus on criminal activities. In November,
Dakota Communications Center governance agreed to
make this call-type non-billable.

Between implementation and the end of the year,

telecommunicators referred 288 calls to crisis support.
Dakota Communications Center continues to work with
our law enforcement partners and Dakota County Crisis to
refine and improve this process.
COVID-19
The beginning of 2021 saw little change from what had
become “status quo”. With continuing COVID concerns,
the local emergency remained in effect requiring
administrative and technical support staff to work from
home. Dispatch staff continued to work a team-based
emergency schedule, and observe social distancing,
masking, and temperature monitoring directives. Dispatch
teams across the metro worked to find ways to keep
spirits up. Recognizing the expiration of the Families First
Coronavirus Response Act, and acknowledging
continuation of the emergency designation, Director Folie
extended availability of temporary emergency leave
through March.

As spring approached, so did the availability of COVID

vaccinations and the hope for a return to normalcy.
Increasing staff vaccination reports and eased Center for
Disease Control (CDC) restrictions allowed all staff to
return to the office. Staff was exuberant to hear that the
local emergency would be lifted on Independence Day,
allowing for a return to regular work schedules and eased
masking and social distancing policies. Unfortunately, this
was short-lived and policies were reactivated in late
summer due to a resurgence in Dakota Communications
Center COVID cases.

Although COVID boosters had become readily available,

Dakota Communications Center COVID experience
continued to rise, resulting in the final executive directive
of the year allowing vaccinated staff (or staff unable to be
vaccinated due to medical or religious belief) up to 80
hours of temporary emergency leave for COVID-related
experiences.
National Telecommunicator’s Week
2021 was the 40th year recognizing National
Telecommunicator’s Week across the Nation. Celebrated
the second week of April, this event offers much-
deserved recognition of our dispatchers.

During National Telecommunicator’s Week, communities

express gratitude by sending treats and lighting
structures in gold in honor of these dispatch first
responders. Gold, or the “thin gold line” symbolizes
dispatchers similar to the “thin red line” for fire, the “thin
blue line” for law enforcement and the “thin white line”
for EMS. The Sperry Tower in Eagan, TCF Stadium and the
I-35 Bridge were a few of the structures lit in gold in
honor of metro area dispatchers in 2021. Unfortunately,
few got to see the structure in-person due to curfew
orders put in place the same week.

Curfews, COVID, and masking and social distancing

protocols may have limited National Telecommunicator’s
Week celebrations, but Dakota Communications Center
was still able to make some well-deserved staff
recognitions.

While met with some significant limitations, staff

persevered and enjoyed the week celebrating their
contribution to public safety.
2021 Recognitions
The Dispatcher of the Year (DOTY) is nominated by Dakota
Communications Center peers for their outstanding
efforts and contributions to the organization over the
prior year. In recognition of her outstanding call taking
and dispatching efforts, and contributions to a positive
work environment throughout the previous year, Sarah W
was selected by a committee of her peers to receive the
2020 Dispatcher of the Year award.

Sarah began her dispatch career in November, 2017.

Having had no previous dispatch experience, Sarah
excelled in every facet of the job. Sarah has been a
mentor and a trainer, and has always contributed to a
positive work environment. After only three years, Sarah
was nominated for this prestigious award.

Unfortunately, the annual Rosemount American Legion

recognition event was cancelled due to COVID. As a
result, Sarah was celebrated by her peers in April during
National Telecommunicators Week. Congratulations to
Sarah for joining previous and current partners as
recipient of the Dispatcher of the Year award.

DOTY Recipients

2020 – Sarah W 2013—John O

2019 - LynAnn 2012—Mandy
2018—Cindy 2011—MaryJo
2017—Tera 2010—Jolene
2016—Mindy 2009—Rachel
2015—Jenni 2008—Katie H
2014—Mike W
2021 Recognitions
Award of Merit
The Award of Merit is given to an employee for
outstanding self-initiated work or for long-term
exceptional performance and dedication to the Dakota
Communications Center and public at large. This award
may be given to an employee who displays extraordinary
expertise, thoroughness or determination.

Certificate of Commendation
The Certificate of Commendation is given to an
employee for an act or achievement that is above the
normal call of duty or beyond the normal performance
required of employees.

Stork Awards
The Stork Award is given to employees who have
coached callers through child delivery. Receiving the blue
or pink stork pin is said to be one of the more coveted
awards among staff.

Melissa – Baby Boy on April 19th

Lindsey – Baby Girl on July 10th
Mary – Baby Boy on August 2nd
Angela N. – Baby Girl on October 3rd
Riley – Baby Boy on December 30th
Riley – Baby Girl on December 30th
Community Interaction
While public gatherings were limited in 2021, Dakota
Communications Center staff took every opportunity to
participate in member community events.

Supervisors Rachel and Tara were able to represent the

Dakota Communications Center Farmington Police
Department open house.

Realizing that all metro area emergency communication

centers were experiencing staffing issues, center
managers came together to host the first metro-wide
telecommunications job fair. Operations Director Cheryl,
Supervisor Tara and Dispatcher Mike represented Dakota
Communications Center, reminding attendees that
dispatching is a great public safety career opportunity.

In August, Dispatcher Jason was able to participate in a

Lakeville safety camp, helping to educate community
children on why, when, and how to call 911 for help.

With the return of the Dakota County Fair, Dakota

Communications Center was once again able to join our
fire and emergency medical service partners in the Ring
of Fire event during public safety days. This partnership
was further fostered in October when dispatch staff was
invited to participate in multiple fire station open houses
across Dakota County.
2021 Staffing
Authorized for 53 full time dispatcher positions, Dakota Communications Center started the year with a dispatch staffing
compliment of 52. Recognizing three new dispatchers in training and three others on varying leaves, the net staffing availability
was 46.
As the year progressed, the staffing level, while low, stabilized. However, overtime went up due to COVID protocol requirements
that required employees to be away from work for long periods of quarantine or isolation. While unable to attain a net staffing level
above 47 at any point during the year, Dakota Communications Center found solace in knowing that staffing levels were not nearly
as critical as neighboring centers, and personnel who had left Dakota Communications Center employment were not leaving for
other dispatch center.
At the end of the year the DCC net staffing level was 46 with five promising new hires in training and one dispatcher on military
leave. 2021 closed at the same dispatch staffing level as it started, 52.

YEAR TO DATE DISPATCH STAFFING LEVELS

53 53 53 53 53 53 53 53 53 53 53 53
52 52
51
50 50 50 50
49 49 49 49 49 49
47 47 47.5 47.5 47.5
46.5 46.5
Dispatchers

46 46
45 44.5
43.5 44

40

35
Mentors & Mentor Program
Mentors provide new hires with practical reassurance,
emotional encouragement, unbiased support and coping
skills necessary to reach their goals of career success.
Dakota Communications Center employees deserve an
enjoyable and positive work environment. Mentors strive
to foster this type of environment by leading by example
and encouraging their partners to do the same.

To be a Dakota Communications Center mentor, an

employees must be identified as someone who
contributes to a positive work environment.

2021 MENTORS

Alyssa Jen Riley

Angela Kyle Sarah B
Annie LynAnn Tori
Dave Mike W
Trainers & Training Program
To be a Dakota Communications Center Communication
Training Officer (CTO) Dispatchers must have three years
of experience or be recommended by a
Supervisor. Trainers must be confident in their skills,
have a desire to share their knowledge and possess the
ability to tailor the way they train to the needs of the
trainee.
2021 TRAINERS
Delci John Sarah B
Derrick Justine Sarah W
Jessica Katie Taylor
Jim Max Tera
Joe Melissa

After their initial four weeks of classroom training,

trainees go through three stages of training on the
dispatch floor. This includes 560 hours of phone training,
360 hours of law radio training and 80 hours of fire radio
training. Each stage is broken into phases, and the
trainee has to show skills proficiency in the specific stage
in or to progress to the next phase.

In 2021 the Dakota Communications Center training

program included approximately 320 hours of
supervisory classroom training, and 1,317 hours of CTO
one-on-one training.
Training Opportunities
2021 trainings started with a FEMA-required Radiological
Emergency Preparedness (REP) training and testing.
Hosted by Homeland Security and Emergency
Management (HSEM), this annual training is required of all
DCC supervisors due to the close proximity of the Prairie
Island nuclear plant. Courses include:
• History and Overview of the REP program
• Emergency Classification Levels
• Basics of Nuclear Power
• Basics of Radiation

While staffing levels due to illnesses prevented some

hands-on training and exercises, Dakota Communications
Center Dispatchers were able to take advantage of some
significant opportunities:
• ABLE Fire Training – Sarah & Taylor
• Peer Support Training – Andy, Alex, Jess, Jim & Sarah W
• Active Attack Incident Response – Jim & Mary
• EDT – Alyssa & Gino

Through the year, routine trainings and recertifications

included:
• CPR
• Emergency Fire Direction (EFD)
• Emergency medical Direction (EMD)
• Wellness and Resiliency
• De-escalation Tactics
• Customer Service
Serving our Communities
Dakota Communications Center retains all phone and
Audio Recording Requested
radio communications on an audio and logging recorder
system (ALRS).
Apple Valley 145
2021 was the fifth year of a shared user agreement
between Dakota Communications Center and Scott Burnsville 184
County permitting Scott County Sheriff’s Department
remote access to excess radio resources captured on the Dakota County Sheriff's Office 47
logger. Neither Dakota Communications Center nor Scott
County Sheriff’s Department have access to the other’s Eagan 116
recordings.
Farmington 58
While recordings are the property of Dakota
Communications Center, practice continues to require
Hastings 89
routing of all requests through the member jurisdiction of
the call or event. The jurisdiction can then release the
Inver Grove Heights 489
recording per their practices and policies.

Responding to audio recording requests is a joint Lakeville 174

supervisory effort. The time it takes to “burn a tape” is
estimated to take anywhere from 2 - 30 minutes per Mendota Heights 42
request.
Rosemount 35
In 2021 the supervisory group responded to 2,058
member agency audio recording requests. South St. Paul 459

West St. Paul 194

All Fire Agencies Combined 26

0 100 200 300 400 500

Finance
The Dakota Communications Center adopted 2021
member fees were $9,103,586, which was a 1.64%
decrease from 2020. While the operating and capital
budgets are primarily funded by Dakota Communications
Center membership, additional sources include a state
e911 grant and some mass telephone notification system
partnerships along with investment interest and League
of MN Cities rebates.

Personnel expenses accounted for 72% of the Dakota

Communications Center budget and the building lease,
equipment and building maintenance, utilities,
technology support and other related costs made up the
majority of non-personnel costs.

The Dakota Communications Center 2021 approved

capital budget expenditure was $68,500. The approved
capital budget reflected costs for projects including CAD
PC’s and Monitors ($24,000), Laserfiche Scanner ($5,500),
Computers ($13,500), Office Furniture ($21,000) and
Conference Room Furniture ($4,500). There were no
capital contributions in 2021 for the second year in a row.
Incoming 9-1-1 Calls
Dakota Communications Center promotes calling 9-1-1 for all response. 9-1-1 calls may come from landline phones, wireless
phones or via text, which is also known as SMS. Also available to callers is the non-emergency administrative number. This number
receives calls from member agencies, alarm companies and callers who aren’t comfortable calling 9-1-1 for non-emergent needs. In
2021 Dakota Communications Center received a total of 310,927 calls.

6% - Landline 52% - Wireless <0% - SMS 42% - Admin

INCOMING CALLS
29,465
30,000 28,505
27,473 27,770
27,163 26,872
27,500 26,191
24,694 25,168
25,000 24,091
22,169 11,887
22,500 21,366 11,324
10,919 11,253 11,421
11,130 10,794
20,000 10,389
10,694
10,539
17,500 9,894 48 47
9,331 42 36 32
38 49
15,000 34
25 32
12,500 21 25
10,000 15,831
14,503 15,548 14,663 14,894 14,330 13,376 13,921
7,500 11,938 12,460
10,840 10,733
5,000

2,500
1,414 1,277 1,589 1,508 1,699 1,585 1,700 1,521 1,423 1,374 1,369 1,427
0
Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec

Landline Wireless SMS Admin

2021 Law CAD Events

There were 321,255 documented law enforcement CAD

Law CAD Events by Jurisdiction
events in 2021. This reflected a 12.5% decrease in
overall law enforcement CAD event experience from
Apple Valley 29,218
2020. 28,571

Contributing to the total documented law enforcement Burnsville 36,389

35,466
CAD events are voided calls and other call-type events
that have been deemed to be predominantly self- Dakota County 45,758
19,043
initiated:
44,364
• Civil Service • Mental Health Aftercare Eagan
39,800
• Detail • Premise Checks
• Follow-up Farmington 9,830
9,708

Per governance direction, and when self-initiated, Hastings 20,876

16,683
these call type events are considered non-billable to
member agencies. Along with any hang-ups or other 33,257
Inver Grove Heights
voided calls, these events are removed from the Law 30,467
CAD Events by Jurisdiction table used for member
Lakeville 30,664
billing, and included in the memo distributed to 28,818
members on a monthly basis.
Mendota Heights 9,116
8,920
In 2021, removed events accounted for approximately
16.5% of the 321,255 total documented law Rosemount 15,725
14,516
enforcement CAD events. This resulted in 268,333 law
enforcement CAD events that were billed back to South St. Paul 25,732
18,060
member agencies in 2021.
West St. Paul 20,326
18,281
2021 billable events experience reflected a decrease of
approximately 1.5% from 2020. 0 10,000 20,000 30,000 40,000 50,000

Total Events Billable Events

2021 Fire/EMS CAD Events

There were 44,541 documented fire/EMS CAD events in

Fire/EMS CAD Events by Jurisdiction
2021. This reflected an 11% increase in overall fire/EMS
CAD event experience from 2020.
Apple Valley 5,331
2,333
Included in the total documented fire/EMS CAD events 7,782
Burnsville 7,688
are medical calls that may or may not result in member
fire apparatus response. Eagan 6,339
5,673

Because Dakota Communications Center uses Farmington 1,796

1,059
Emergency Medical Direction (EMD) and provides pre-
arrival instructions to callers regardless of who the Hastings 4,138
4,072
responding organization is, much time and effort is put
into medical calls. Inver Grove Heights 4,418
2,724

Lakeville 3,981
While there are no fire call types that are considered 2,789
non-billable, medical events in a member jurisdiction 1,324
Mendota Heights
are removed from billable status when an outside 299
service responds to the call instead of the member 153
Miesville 152
jurisdiction. These events are removed from the
Fire/EMS CAD Events by Jurisdiction table used for Randolph-Hampton 219
214
member billing, and included in the memo distributed
to members on a monthly basis. Rosemount 1,770
955

In 2021, removed events accounted for approximately South Metro 7,290

21% of the 44,541 total documented fire/EMS CAD
events. This resulted in 35,191 fire/EMS CAD events that South St. Paul 2,769
were billed back to member agencies in 2021.
West St. Paul 4,464
2021 billable events experience reflected an increase of
- 2,000 4,000 6,000 8,000 10,000
almost 15% from 2020.
Total Events Billable Events
2021 Call Type Experience
The 2021 most used law enforcement call types were 2021 Most Used Law Enforcement Call Types
traffic stops and premise checks. Rounding out the top
Traffic Stop
nine most used law enforcement call types, and
Premise Check
accounting for 60% of law enforcement events were: 18%
Suspicious Activity
• Suspicious activity • Detail Trfc/Tobacco
Extra Patrol
• Extra patrol • Disturbance/Disorderly 40%
• 911 hang-up • Alarm Burg/Hold-up/Panic 11%
911 Hangup
• Follow-up Follow up
Detail Trfc/Tobacco, etc.
The other 40% of calls is made up of 74 different call 7%
Disturbance/Disorderly
types. 5%
5% Alarm Burg/Holdup/Panic
3% 5%
Of the most used law enforcement call types in 2021, 3% Other
3%
premise checks, follow-up, and detail events were non-
billable if officer initiated. Hang-ups where an officer
was not assigned are also considered non-billable.

The 2021 most used fire/EMS call type was medicals,

accounting for 83% of the events. Other more often 1% Most Used Fire/EMS Call Types
used call types were: 1%
1%
• Injury Accident • CO Alarm (no illness) 2% 9%
Medicals
• General Fire Alarm • Structure Fire 3%
Injury Accident
• Nat Gas Leak/Odor
General Fire Alarm

The other 9% of calls is made up of 72 different call Nat Gas Leak/Odor

types. CO Alarm (no illness)
Structure Fire
The most used fire/EMS call type in 2021, Medicals, was Other
only billed to member jurisdictions if that jurisdiction 83%
responded to the event.
2021 Inquiries
All inquiries from member agencies are investigated, documented and reported on a monthly basis as part of the Dakota
Communications Center statistical reporting. The nature of the inquiry and disposition of findings are tracked and reviewed in an
attempt to identify possible trends.

Of the 43 inquiries reported through the year, 24 were determined to be actionable. Actionable inquiries are handled with coaching
and training, or discipline when warranted.

INQUIRIES TREND
300 296

210
200

155

212
100 101
82
153

84 79 76 43
57 48 53 51
31 34
9
0
2016 2017 2018 2019 2020 2021

Law Fire